Kettering Borough Council has refurbished two council houses in Cranford as part of its groundbreaking ‘Homes for the Future’ project. The project aims to find ways to make the Council’s housing stock more energy efficient whilst reducing fuel costs for tenants.
The properties, at 11 and 12 Top Dysons, were affected by severe structural problems and have been empty since 2008. As well as undertaking works to ensure that the properties are structurally sound, a range of energy-saving features have now been installed:
- Bio-Mass Central Heating System
- Air Source Heat Pump Central Heating
- Positive Pressure Heat Recovery Unit
- Solar Water Heating
- Photovoltaic Solar Panels
- External Wall and Roof Insulation
- Double Glazed A Rated Argon Filled Windows
Both properties, although over 50 years old, now achieve Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes which is comparable to modern new-build housing.
The new tenants will work closely with the Council in monitoring their fuel use over the next year and their experiences will help the Council in designing its housing capital programme for the next thirty years.
John Conway, Head of Housing, said, “All over the country, developers are building new homes with improved energy efficiency. The importance of this project is that it looks at how the energy efficiency of existing council homes can be improved to match the standards being achieved in new buildings. As well as being good for the planet, this project will also help our tenants at a time when fuel costs are soaring.”
Councillor Derek Zanger, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said, “The completion of our two Homes for the Future at Cranford is an important landmark for the Council. We hope that this project will help us in reducing the Council’s carbon footprint and support our tenants in reducing their fuel bills. I am delighted to welcome the tenants into their new homes.”
Notes to Editor
Photo opportunity :
An official opening of the two eco-homes will be taking place on Wednesday 13th July 2.30pm at 11 Top Dysons, Cranford. Here there will be a chance to tour both houses and see the number of eco-initiates installed. Kettering Borough Council staff and those involved in the project, including the parish council, will also be available for photo opportunities and press interviews during the event.
For more information or to confirm your attendance please call Gemma Whitby or Holly Buzzard on 01536 534 395.